BMU’s new vice-chancellor vows visible change within six months
Professor Dr FM Siddiqui has officially taken charge as Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University, assuming office on Sunday, 5 April 2026.
He commenced his first working day on Monday, 6 April, urging all staff to fulfil their responsibilities with diligence.
On his inaugural day, Professor Siddiqui was welcomed with flowers by the university administration and outgoing acting vice-chancellor. Senior officials including Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Shahinul Alam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Dr Mujibur Rahman Hawlader, Treasurer Prof Dr Nahrin Akhter, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Professor Dr Shamim Ahmed, Registrar Professor Dr Nazrul Islam, Proctor Dr Sheikh Farhad, and Chairman of the Department of Clinical Oncology Professor Dr Syed Akram Hossain were present.
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Addressing the gathering, Professor Siddiqui described the day as especially meaningful, noting his previous tenure at the institution. He acknowledged Bangladesh Medical University's strong reputation, ongoing challenges, and the public's high expectations.
He emphasised the need to meet these expectations by addressing existing challenges and ensuring that all staff understand their roles and responsibilities.
"If each member of staff discharges their duties properly, Bangladesh Medical University will progress," he said.
Outgoing acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Shahinul Alam expressed confidence that under Prof Siddiqui's leadership, the university would further advance medical education, healthcare services, and research.
Professor Siddiqui also held phased meetings with pro-vice-chancellors, the treasurer, registrar, proctor, deans, course directors, examination controllers, department chairmen, medical officers, and other officials.
In meetings with department heads, he stressed the importance of optimising available manpower despite constraints, and called for monthly reviews and evaluations of departmental activities.
Addressing medical officers, Professor Siddiqui said they are the cornerstone of patient care and reflect the institution's values. He urged them to maintain empathy and professionalism regardless of challenges faced.
Speaking to university officials, he reiterated that public expectations are particularly high as Bangladesh Medical University is a leading institution for medical education, service, and research. He called on all staff—from cleaners to the vice-chancellor—to discharge their duties with discipline, honesty, and sincerity, treating all, including patients, with courtesy.
He added that with collective effort, visible positive change could be achieved within six months.
Later, the vice-chancellor inspected patient services in the outpatient department and visited a kidney transplant patient in the cabin block.
Professor Dr FM Siddiqui was appointed vice-chancellor by government notification on 9 March 2026, with the approval of the President and Chancellor, for a four-year term from the date of joining.
He completed his MBBS from Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, Barishal, in 1982, and obtained FCPS in Medicine in 1989. Over his career, he has held academic and clinical roles at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh Sadar Hospital, then IPGMR, Dhaka Medical College, and other institutions. He has held leadership positions in professional bodies, contributed to medical education and research, and published extensively in national and international journals.
